World Music Features

Misia

Misia She’s been called the “Diva of Fado,” “The Leading Lady of Fado” and even “The Black Angel of Fado.” Mísia is arguably Portugal’s most revered export since the legendary fado pioneer Amália Rodrigues. By Michael Cowan

Koop

Koop Who would have thought that Sweden might become a hotbed of contemporary jazz? Koop's album Waltz For Koop proves that Stockholm can compete with London and New York in its jazz credentials. By Phil Meadley

Claude Chalhoub

Claude Chalhoub It is highly unusual for a 27-year-old classical musician to have racked up any significant, life-defining achievements, but Lebanese-born Claude Chalhoub has managed to do so within two widely disparate and demanding genres. By Christina Roden

Vasen

The Swedish Folk Scene While the traditional music scene doesn’t compete with the sales of Sweden’s pop music, it is musically richer and more vibrant than ever. By Marty Lipp

Taraf de Haïdouks

Taraf de Haïdouks Clejani, Romania boasts one of the world’s most famous Gypsy bands and one of Romania’s best-known musical exports, the 13-piece Taraf de Haïdouks. But as brilliant as Taraf de Haïdouks is, they’re simply the latest incarnation of a local musical tradition that stretches back for generations in Clejani.

By Chuck Todaro

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, formed 17 years ago, draws influences from ska legends the Skatalites and the Specials, as well as from jazz, R & B, punk and other genres. By Nathan Gilbert